Prayer for Renewed Strength

Here’s a prayer from the Sacred Pauses website.

When Astonishment Turns to Singing: A Prayer

Holy Spirit:

With astonishment,

we see that you renew our strength

constantly.

Allow us not to forget

your presence,

Even in adversity.

And,

in our turn,

we will renew our gratefulness

and we will sing

for your love.

Amen

~ posted on the Sacred Pauses blog. http://www.sacredpauses.com/

Intercession: Epiphany 5B

Here’s a prayer of intercession written by Rev. Fraser Macnaughton for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany. 

Prayer of Concern

God, we wait, we watch, we long for you.  Renew our powers, refresh our spirits, restore our well being; for you give new strength to the faint and power to the powerless.  May your church be found working among those who lack resources or rights.  May we seek to care for those who cannot care for themselves. We pray for the lowly and the humiliated.  We pray for relief organizations, especially….  God, be to them a tower of strength.

We pray for the great powers of the world, the strong nations, and mighty governments.  May their power be used properly that the poor are protected, the weak are not exploited, and no one is oppressed.  We pray too for multinational corporations who often wield more power than many governments, that in their relentless pursuit of profit they may take those steps of compassion and concern which will benefit them as well as those powerless to stop them.

We give thanks for all who have cared for us in times of weakness; for those who have uplifted our spirits and given us new hope.  We pray for our friends and families, especially any who are finding life difficult at the moment.  We pray for any in our community that may feel neglected or rejected.

We pray for all who are in weakness of body, mind or spirit, all who have come to the end of their tether. We think of all who are losing their mobility or agility, those who are losing their memories, and all who have lost their grip on reality; of those who no longer trust in anyone, and those who doubt the love of God; we think of all who are caring for loved ones in illness.

We give thanks that Christ is our healer and our companion on the Way; he will not allow us to be lost.  We pray for loved ones departed who are renewed and refreshed in the love and light of God.  May the Light of the world truly be that lamp set out on the lampstand to them.  Amen.

~ written by Rev. Fraser Macnaughton, of the St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall.  Posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website. 

Prayer for Eagles' Wings

Here’s a prayer inspired by Isaiah 40:27-31.  It was posted on In Praise of Sophia.

Prayer for Eagles’ Wings

(inspired by Isaiah 40: 27-31)

You lift us up to the heights, Holy One.

On wings like eagles you enable us to

soar with the possibilities

of revolution, of transformation

both within our own souls

and within this world which needs so much care.

And yet it is not the bright skies

where we most often live.

We are here with our feet on the ground—

your feet planted firmly beside us

as we try to walk without fainting:

walk through the shadows of

death and ill-health and addiction;

walk through life changes:

moves, births, aging, loss.

We need your strength to not grow weary

as we continue to hope for new life

amidst old attitudes and injuries.

We long to run and not grow faint

as we challenge demeaning political tirades

that seep into our own daily encounters;

and as we work for your compassion and wholeness

for all people, and all creatures, and the very earth.

Lift us up to the heights, Holy One,

so we may again catch a glimpse

of the vast possibilities

of your Shalom

even as we pray for it here on earth

by saying: (to Lord’s Prayer)

~ posted in In Praise of Sophia. http://preachingsophia.blogspot.ca/2012/02/prayer-for-eagles-wings.html

Call to Worship: The Everlasting God

Here’s a responsive call to worship inspired by Isaiah 40:28-31, one of the suggested texts for Epiphany 5, Year B. It was written by Joanna Harader, and posted on Spacious Faith.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Isaiah 40:28-31)

Have you not known?
Our God is the everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth.
Have you not heard?
God does not faint or grow weary.
Have you not known?
God’s understanding is unsearchable.
Have you not heard?
God gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless.
Have you not known?
Those who wait for God will renew their strength
they shall mount up with wings like eagles.
We come to hear.
We come to know.
Thanks be to God.

~ written by Joanna Harader and posted on Spacious Faith. https://spaciousfaith.com/

Prayer for Healing: On Eagles' Wings

Here’s a closing prayer or a prayer for healing from Terri.  It was posted on the RevGalBlogPals website.

Prayer for Healing

God of life

God of hope

God of all

Lift us

on your love

like eagle's wings

Sustain us

Guide us

Heal us

Then send us

forth into

the world

That we

may love

as you love.

Amen.

~ written by Terri, and posted on RevGalBlogPals. http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/

Prayer of Praise

Here’s a prayer of praise and petition from the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. It was written by Rev. Dr. Renee C. Jackson.

Prayer of Praise

Holy God,

we extol and honor you for who you are.

We praise you for your faithfulness

   and for your tender mercies

   that are renewed every morning.

We exalt you, Sovereign One,

   for every blessing of yesterday,

   the gift of this day,

   and the promises of our tomorrows.

Grant us an enduring faith

   as we strive against oppression and despair.

Endow us with contagious joy

   that uplifts the downtrodden

   and inspires hope in you.

Increase in us

   the faith and courage of the prophets,

   the love of Jesus, and

   the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

In your majestic name we pray, Amen. 

~ from “God of Awe and Glory,” written by the Rev. Dr. Renee C. Jackson, Southeast Area Minister for the Michigan Conference, UCC. Posted on the United Church of Christ’s Worship Ways website. http://www.ucc.org/worship_worship-ways

Prayer: Epiphany 5B

Here’s a prayer of petition and commitment inspired by the suggested scripture readings for Epiphany 5, Year B. It comes from the Vanderbilt Divinity Library website.

Prayer

(inspired by Isaiah 40:28-31, Mark 1:29-39)

Everlasting God,

you give strength to the powerless

and power to the faint;

you raise up the sick

and cast out demons.

Make us agents of healing and wholeness,

that your good news may be made known

to the ends of your creation. Amen.

~ from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts admin. Augsburg Fortress.  Posted on Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

Call to Worship: Psalm 147

Here’s a responsive call to worship from Ana Gobledale. It was inspired by Psalm 147, and posted on Worship Words.

Call to Worship

(inspired by Psalm 147)

Celebrate God’s grace!
How comforting it is to know God always accompanies us.
Approach God in awe!
How amazing it is to consider that God has created each of us and each star in the heavens.
Praise the living God!
How good it is to sing praises together.

~ written by Ana Gobledale, and posted on Worship Words. http://worshipwords.co.uk/

Call to Worship: Waiting on the Lord

Here is a responsive call to worship from Rev. Richard J. Fairchild’s Kir-shalom website.

Call to Worship

God is with his people. 

He dwells in their midst.

Listen and hear him speak.

Our hearts long for his word.

We wait upon the Lord

so that we may renew our strength.

God is our help and our support. 

His spirit moves among us

to lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days.

With joyful hearts we sing God's praise. 

With rejoicing we call upon Him. 

The Lord is our hope and our salvation.

~ posted on the Kir-shalom website. http://www.spirit-net.ca/sermons/b-or02sm.php

Prayer: Isaiah 40: 21-31

Here’s a prayer before the reading and preaching of the Word, inspired by Isaiah 40:21-31.  It was written by Amy Loving, and posted on The Worship Closet.

Prayer for Illumination

(inspired by Isaiah 40:21-31)

Creating God,

it has been told to us since the very beginning

that you are truly the Lord of all that is and ever shall be. 

You are the God of both the prince and pauper,

of feast and famine,

of the mighty and the weak —

and yet, you do not favor the strong over the powerless. 

Remind us of your love as we read the scriptures,

O God of True Justice. 

Open our eyes – open our hearts –

that we may be strengthened and renewed by your Word.

~ written by Amy Loving, and posted on The Worship Closet: The Place for Creative Worship Ideas. http://worshipcloset.com/baptism-of-the-lord-sunday-year-b-words-for-worship/

Prayer of Thanksgiving: Eagles' Wings

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving inspired by Isaiah 40:27-31.  It was written by Mark D. Roberts, and posted on The High Calling.

On Eagles’ Wings

(inspired by Isaiah 40: 27-31)

O Lord, you have indeed carried me on your wings.

By your mercy, you have delivered me from sin and death.

You have set me free from their bondage.

Once I was a slave, but now I am free to be your servant.

Thank you, Lord.

Even as I seek to live faithfully as a child of the new covenant,

help me to live each day by grace.

May I continue to ride on your wings

as you guide and empower me to serve you in every aspect of my life.

All praise be to you, gracious Lord,

because you carry me on your wings.

 Alleluia! Amen.

~ Mark D. Roberts, on The High Calling. http://www.thehighcalling.org/reflection/%E2%80%9C-eagles%E2%80%99-wings%E2%80%9D#.UcNjJDvVCSo

Prayer: Silent Flight of Eagles' Wings

In the silence 
the clarity of your voice, 
climbs high 
upon the eagle's wings. 

The chains of doubt 
that imprison my soul, 
fall away beneath my feet. 

In the freedom and majesty 
of the sentinel's gaze, 
faith is strengthened 
and hope returned 
to a weary heart, 
upon the silent flight 
of eagle's wings.

~ Chris Roe.  Posted on About.com. http://christianity.about.com/od/membersubmittedprayers/qt/Silent-Flight.htm

Prayers of the People for Epiphany

Here’s a prayer of intercession from Rick Morley’s Garden Path blog.  Visit his site for other lectionary-based worship resources and reflections.

 

Prayers of the People for All Epiphany

Let us pray to God, who is made manifest in Jesus Christ.

As the prophet Isaiah rang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come”;

empower your Church, O God,

to ring out the Good News of the Light of your son Jesus,

which pierces even the deepest darkness.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As a star rose high into the nighttime sky

to draw the nations to the Christ-child;

send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation,

and draw the whole world to your peace and truth.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As John the Baptist guided throngs of people to the edge of the wilderness

and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan,

we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders

to the ways of justice and righteousness.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Like the Magi who traveled from afar

to bring gifts and celebrate the Savior’s birth;

we pray for this community,

and for those who celebrate their own birthdays and anniversaries;

especially _______.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As Jesus climbed the mountaintop,

and proclaimed blessings on the people of the world;

we pray for the sick and the distressed, the poor and the lame.

We especially pray for _____.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him;

we pray for those we love and who have answered your call

to follow Jesus to your Heavenly Kingdom. Give them your peace.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, Light of the World,

hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light,

that the places of darkness in our world would be pierced by your Light,

and that all nations would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy. Amen.

~ written by Rick Morley, and posted on A Garden Path. http://www.rickmorley.com/

Call to Worship: Don't You Know?

Here’s a responsive call to worship based on Isaiah 40:21-31 (Common English Bible).  It was written by Rev. Andy James.

Call to Worship

(based on Isaiah 40: 21-31)

Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
God created all things and summons everyone by name.
Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
No one – nothing – can compare to God’s glory.
Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the creator of the ends of the earth,
and never grows tired or weary.
Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
Those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength forever and ever.

— written by Rev. Andy James, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Whitestone, New York.  Posted on the liturgylink website. http://liturgylink.wordpress.com/

For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

Call to Worship: Isaiah 40, Psalm 147

Here’s a responsive call to worship based on Isaiah 40 and Psalm 147, two of the suggested scripture readings for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany).  They were written by Mary J. Scifres.

Call to Worship

(based on Psalm 147, Isaiah 40)

Gather us in, the brokenhearted and the joyful.
Gather us in, the weak and the strong.
Gather us in, the fearful and the brave.
Gather us in, the young and the old.
Gather us in, to sing of God’s works.
Gather us in, to praise Jesus Christ.
Gather us in, to worship and wonder.
Gather us in, to know of God’s love.

— written by Mary J. Scifres, and posted on the Ministry Matters website. 

For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

For more calls to worship on this blog, click on Calls to worship in the list of “Labels” at the lower right, or see the Call to Worship Index at the upper right.

Gospel Reflection: Mark 1:29-39

Here’s a beautiful reflection on Mark 1:29-39, the gospel reading for February 5, 2012.  It was written by Anne Osdieck.

Gospel Reflection

(Mark 1:29-39)

He approached her, grasped her hand, and helped her up.

Lord,
Simon Peter said,
"Everyone was looking for you,"
as you spread your message across Galilee.

Whole towns flocked to you
with their sick in tow.

We as well
clamor
to find
you,

now, in our day.

Please, Lord, heal us.
Take our hand.
Help us
up.

— written by Anne Osdieck, and posted on The Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University website. 

For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

Opening prayer: Psalm 147

Here’s an opening prayer based on Psalm 147, the suggested psalm reading for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany).  It was written by Mary J. Scifres.

Opening Prayer

(based on Psalm 147)

Gracious God,
hear our songs.
Gather us in as one people,
that we may worship you as one body.
Heal our broken hearts and bind up our wound.
that we may come into your presence
healthy and whole.
As we seek your wisdom.
Help us to discern your greatness,
as we honor the power and glory of your love.
Amen.

— written by Mary J. Scifres, and posted on the Ministry Matters website. 

For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

For more prayer resources on this blog, see the Scriptural Index of Prayers at the upper right side of the page.

Affirmation of Faith: Walk and Not Faint

Here’s an affirmation of faith based on Isaiah 40: 28-31, one of the suggested scripture readings for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany).  It was written by Bruce Prewer.

Affirmation:  Walk and Not Faint

(based on Isaiah 40: 28-31)

This have come to know,

this is what we have heard:

the Eternal is an everlasting God,

creator of heaven and earth,

   who does not grow weary or faint;

   whose wisdom is unsearchable,

   giving energy to the meek

   and  strength to those who have none.

Even youths shall faint and grow weary,

young athletes shall fall exhausted;

but those who love the Lord Jesus

and patiently put their trust in God,

   shall renew their strength;

   they shall soar with wings like eagles,

   they shall run and not weary,

   they shall walk and not faint.

— written by Bruce Prewer, and posted on Bruce Prewer’s Homepage.  

For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

Prayer of Confession: Epiphany 5B

Here’s a prayer of confession based on the scripture texts for Epiphany 5B (February 5, 2012).  It was written by Nancy C. Townley.

Prayer of Confession (inspired by Psalm 147, Matthew 1:29-39)

How can we look at this world and not sing of your praises, O God? The beauty and majesty of the world is overpowering! Yet we have a tendency to take all that you do for us for granted. We treat the world with callous indifference, using its resources carelessly and with little regard to the future. We insist on war as solutions for problems rather than peaceful striving. We turn our backs on people in need, the weak and downtrodden go unnoticed in our midst. We always believe that someone else will care for those in need. How foolish we are, O God! How ignorant we have become! You have given to us all that we need. You have blessed us with the witness of Jesus Christ who came so that we might learn how you would have us live, in honor and peace. Forgive us. Heal our hearts and spirits. Make us fully aware of all our blessings and our responsibilities. Give us again a spirit of joy in serving you. Help us be agents of peace and hope to others. For we offer this prayer in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Words of Assurance (inspired by Matthew 1:21-39)

Jesus has come to heal our spirits and our souls. The demons of arrogance, indifference and apathy are being cast out. New life is offered to you in Jesus Christ. Rejoice! Be Glad! For God’s love is poured out to you this day. AMEN.

— written by Nancy C. Townley, and posted on the Ministry Matters website. 

For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

For more prayers of confession/words of assurance on this blog, click on Confession or Words of assurance in the list of “Labels” at the lower right, or see the scriptural Confession Index at the upper right.

Benediction: Isaiah 40

Here’s a closing benediction based on Isaiah 40: 21-31, the suggested Old Testament reading for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany).  It was written by Mary J. Scifres.

Benediction

(based on Isaiah 40: 21-31)

May you run and not be weary.
May you rise up on the wings of eagles.
May you know without doubt
that the everlasting God goes with you!

— written by Mary J. Scifres, and posted on the Ministry Matters website. 

For more worship resources for February 5, 2012 (the fifth Sunday after Epiphany), click on Epiphany 5B in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.

For more benedictions on this blog, click on Benedictions in the list of “Labels” at the lower right, or see the Benediction Index at the upper right.